Philippine police have arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity related to his controversial "war on drugs." The 79-year-old was taken into custody shortly after arriving at Manila airport from Hong Kong.
Duterte, who served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, has long been criticized for his brutal anti-drug campaign, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Prior to his presidency, he was the mayor of Davao City, where he gained a reputation for his tough stance on crime.
Upon his arrest, Duterte questioned the legitimacy of the ICC warrant, asking, *"What crime [have] I committed?"* He has consistently defended his anti-drug policies, refusing to apologize for the high death toll associated with his administration's crackdown.
The ICC's warrant marks a significant development in the international community's response to Duterte's controversial policies. Human rights organizations have long accused his government of extrajudicial killings and widespread human rights violations during the drug war.
Duterte's arrest has sparked mixed reactions in the Philippines, with some supporting the ICC's actions and others viewing it as an overreach of international authority. The case is expected to draw global attention as it unfolds, raising questions about accountability for alleged crimes committed by world leaders.
